What are Electrolytes?

7. 7. What is an Electrolyte Imbalance?

Too many or too few electrolytes can cause damage. The body may lose electrolytes due to sweating or a sudden loss of body fluid such as a bout of vomiting. It is important to replace these lost chemicals to avoid levels becoming to low. On the other hand, if a person has too much of a certain electrolyte, the body can usually filter it out through the kidney without harm. However, levels may become so high that the body can no longer regulate them. In this situation, a person may develop symptoms such as muscle twitching, an irregular heartbeat, blood pressure changes, and seizures.

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